Chapter 6 - THE RETRIBUTIONArthur stepped into the room, his heavy work boots clicking against the hardwood floor. He looked around the luxurious closet filled with designer goods, then looked directly at Jessica and Susan.
"For three years," Arthur said, his voice deep and steady, commanding absolute silence in the room, "you told us we were a burden. You told us that if we didn't do exactly what you said, Daniel would stop loving us, stop calling us, and leave us to rot. You made us feel like prisoners in our own home."
Jessica wiped her nose, trying to put on a pathetic expression. "Dad—Arthur, please... we were just stressed—"
"Quiet," Arthur said, raising a single, calloused hand. The authority in his voice was undeniable. "I may be old, and my back may hurt from working the land, but I am not blind. And I am certainly not a fool."
He turned his gaze toward me, offering a faint, proud smile. "Thank you for coming home, son. I told you on the phone last month that everything was fine, because Jessica stood right behind the receiver with a notepad telling me what to say, threatening to lock us in our rooms if I deviated by a single word."
My blood ran cold. Last month. She had been threatening them even over the phone.
"That's it," I said, pulling out my phone once more. "I'm calling the sheriff right now. Not Marcus. Not a civil lawyer. I'm calling the county sheriff's department for felony financial exploitation of the elderly, grand larceny, and unlawful imprisonment."
Jessica’s eyes went wide with sheer terror. She dropped to her knees, grabbing the hem of my jeans.
"No, Daniel, please! Don't call the police! Think of my reputation! Think of my future! I'll give it all back! Every cent! I swear to God!" she wailed, clawing frantically at the fabric.
Susan stood frozen, her mouth working silently as reality finally crashed down upon her. The golden goose was dead, and the bill had finally come due.
"You should have thought about that before you handed my father a broom in ninety-degree heat while sipping iced tea on a porch I paid for," I said coldly, pulling my leg away from her grip.
I dialed three numbers and hit speakerphone.
May you like
"911 dispatch, what is your emergency?"
"Yes, I'd like to report a crime in progress at 404 Willow Creek Lane," I said clearly, staring down at Jessica as she wept hysterically on the floor. "Financial fraud, elder abuse, and extortion. Send a patrol unit immediately."
